Allahabad HC Orders FIR Against Rahul Gandhi in Citizenship Case

Allahabad HC orders FIR against Rahul Gandhi as the Lucknow bench directs CBI investigation into British citizenship allegations, marking a major development in the long-running dual citizenship row.

High Court Directs FIR  

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered the registration of an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The court accepted the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea and directed that the Central Bureau of Investigation take up the case.

CBI Investigation Directed  

Counsel for the state government argued strongly that the matter required a CBI probe. The judge agreed and ordered the agency to investigate the British citizenship allegations once the FIR is registered by police.

Evidence Presented in Court  

Petitioner Vignesh Shishir told the court that the affidavit and supporting documents could prove vital. He claimed the papers show Rahul Gandhi may have acted as a voter in the United Kingdom and taken part in elections there. The bench will now verify the claims.

Confidential Documents Reviewed  

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi asked the Foreigners Division of the Union Home Ministry to produce all relevant records. Officials submitted the complete set of files, including confidential and top-secret documents, before the High Court in open proceedings.

Lower Court Order Overturned  

The petition challenged the January 28, 2026 order of the Special MP-MLA magistrate. That court had refused to direct the Kotwali police station in Rae Bareli to register an FIR. The High Court set aside the earlier decision and cleared the way for fresh action.

Serious Charges Sought  

The plea seeks action under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 along with the Official Secrets Act 1923, the Passport Act 1967 and the Foreigners Act 1946. The petitioner argued that the issues touch upon national security and citizenship rules.

National Security at Stake  

This is the first time the matter has received detailed hearing at the High Court level. The Union Home Ministry formally placed its stand on record during the proceedings. Officials indicated that the CBI will begin its work immediately after the FIR is lodged.

The ruling has triggered fresh debate on citizenship norms for public representatives. Political observers are watching closely to see how the investigation proceeds. The case is being followed as a key public interest story in the latest news today.

With the Allahabad HC orders FIR against Rahul Gandhi now active, the outcome of the CBI probe will decide the next steps in this high-profile matter that continues to draw national attention.

Supreme Court Restores Attempt to Rape Charge, Overturns Allahabad High Court Order in POCSO Case

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court restores attempt to rape charge in a controversial case from Uttar Pradesh, overturning a March 2025 order of the Allahabad High Court. The apex court ruled that acts such as groping a minor, breaking her pyjama string, and attempting to drag her to a secluded spot clearly fall within the ambit of attempt to rape.

The verdict, delivered by a bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant of the Supreme Court of India, comes after the top court took suo motu cognisance of the High Court’s observations, which had sparked widespread criticism across legal and civil society circles.

Background of the Kasganj Minor Assault Case

The case relates to a 2021 incident in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh. According to the complaint filed by the victim’s mother in January 2022, three youths allegedly stopped her 14-year-old daughter on the pretext of dropping her home.

The accused reportedly:

 Touched the minor’s private parts

 Attempted to drag her under a culvert

 Broke the string of her pyjama

 Allegedly threatened bystanders with a country-made pistol

A case was registered under relevant sections of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). The special POCSO court in Kasganj issued summons in 2023.

Allahabad High Court Verdict Triggered Controversy

On March 17, 2025, the Allahabad High Court held that the alleged acts did not amount to rape or attempt to rape. It dropped IPC Section 376 and Section 18 of the POCSO Act, directing that the accused be tried under lesser charges related to sexual harassment.

The Allahabad High Court verdict drew sharp criticism. Legal experts argued that such reasoning diluted the seriousness of sexual crimes against minors and risked setting a troubling precedent.

Supreme Court’s Strong Observations

The Supreme Court restores attempt to rape charge, stating unequivocally that physical acts demonstrating clear sexual intent and preparation can constitute attempt to rape.

Earlier, while staying the High Court’s order, the bench had observed that certain remarks reflected an “insensitive and inhuman approach.” The court also cautioned judicial authorities against using language that could intimidate victims or discourage them from pursuing justice.

During hearings in December 2025, the apex court emphasized that judicial reasoning must remain sensitive in cases involving minors, especially under the POCSO framework.

Why This Judgment Matters Now

At a time when crimes against women and minors remain a major concern, this ruling reinforces:

 A stricter interpretation of sexual assault laws

 Protection of minors under the POCSO Act

 Judicial accountability in sensitive cases

Legal experts believe the judgment may guide future courts in interpreting what constitutes “attempt” in sexual offence cases. It also signals that higher courts will intervene if lower court rulings appear to undermine victim protection.

Practical Takeaways

For legal practitioners and observers:

 Courts may adopt a broader interpretation of “attempt” in sexual crimes.

 POCSO-related cases will likely see stricter judicial scrutiny.

 Victim-sensitive language in judgments is now under sharper focus.

By overturning the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court restores attempt to rape charge and sends a strong message on safeguarding minors’ rights. The ruling not only corrects a controversial interpretation but also strengthens the legal framework protecting children under Indian law.

As debates around judicial sensitivity and women’s safety continue nationwide, this landmark decision is likely to shape future legal discourse and reinforce public trust in the justice system.